Books Like...

Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto is a collection of three short stories focusing on the transitory nature of life and nostalgia. Each story delves into themes of loss, death, and sleep, portraying the pathos of everyday life and its fleetingness in a beautifully written manner. The book presents three women's stories intertwined with the acts of sleeping, love, and death, showcasing Banana Yoshimoto's trademark otherworldliness and ethereal quality in storytelling.

Tara Schuster's book, "Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies," delves into personal growth, self-love, and finding one's way through life's challenges. The author shares her own vulnerabilities and experiences in a humorous and honest manner, providing practical tools and advice for readers to navigate their own journey towards self-improvement and happiness. Through her relatable writing style, Tara inspires readers to reflect, learn, and grow, emphasizing the importance of self-care, self-reflection, and embracing one's authentic self.

The Kybalion is an early 20th-century work that delves into the ancient teachings of Hermes Trismigistus and the basic tenets of Hermeticism. The book not only explores the core principles of Hermetic philosophy but also provides glimpses into alchemy and spiritual ascension. Written in a style that may seem antiquated to modern readers, The Kybalion presents a framework centered around The All and The Law, explaining concepts such as polarity, vibratory reactions, and cause and effect.

The work is not only for students of Hermetics but for anyone who seeks common truths across religions and recognizes a divine energy within all individuals. The book is described as chock full of timeless truths that transcend time, nations, and religions, offering valuable insights into mental transmutation and spiritual ascension. While some may find the writing style dated and the references to be from another era, many appreciate the depth of wisdom and philosophical insights that can be applied to contemporary life.

'The Year of the Hare' by Arto Paasilinna follows the story of Kaarlo Vatanen, a journalist who hits a young hare with his car, leading to a drastic change in his life. Vatanen decides to leave his job and wife behind, embarking on a journey through the Finnish countryside with the hare as his companion. The narrative is a mix of adventure and introspection, as Vatanen encounters various eccentric characters and experiences while rediscovering himself in the wilderness. The writing style is described as quirky, amusing, and occasionally farcical, capturing the essence of Finnish culture and landscape with a touch of dark humor.

'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.

'The New Me' by Halle Butler follows the life of Millie, a disaffected millennial working as a temp in an office setting. The book delves into Millie's struggles with personal hygiene, social interactions, and her aspirations to become a better version of herself. Through a darkly humorous lens, the narrative explores themes of office life, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by young adults in finding their place in the world.

The author, Halle Butler, adopts a sharp and biting writing style to portray the mundane yet chaotic life of Millie. The novel offers a glimpse into the millennial experience, showcasing the protagonist's internal monologues, self-absorbed behaviors, and the subtle cruelties of everyday social interactions. As the story unfolds, Butler skillfully navigates Millie's journey towards self-improvement and self-awareness, painting a convincing portrait of a young woman at a crossroads in her life.

'Factfulness' by Hans Rosling is a thought-provoking book that challenges the reader's misconceptions about the world. Through clear-eyed analysis and compelling storytelling, Rosling presents data and statistics that reveal a more optimistic view of global progress. The book emphasizes the importance of looking at facts objectively, avoiding biases, and understanding the true state of the world. Rosling's writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, making complex topics like public health statistics and cognitive biases relatable to readers.

'The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are' by Alan W. Watts is a thought-provoking exploration of Eastern philosophies, particularly Vedantic philosophy, presented in a modern and accessible manner. The book challenges the notion of the separate ego and delves into the concept of oneness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Through a series of essays, Watts encourages readers to question their understanding of self and reality, inviting them to contemplate fundamental philosophical questions about existence and identity. The writing style is described as witty, insightful, and engaging, with a blend of profound truths and social commentary characteristic of the 1960s hippie movement.

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson is a collection of vignettes chronicling the summer adventures of a young girl named Sophia and her grandmother on a small island off the coast of Finland. The book captures the essence of relationships between the young and the old, humans and nature, as the duo navigates life on the island, filled with everyday incidents and moments of wisdom and whimsy.

The writing style of The Summer Book is described as quiet, poetic, and understated, with a focus on the interactions between characters and their surroundings. Through simple yet evocative prose, Tove Jansson paints a vivid picture of island life, exploring themes of family, nature, aging, and the passage of time.

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen is an epic novel that delves into the lives of the Berglund family - Patty, Walter, Joey, and Jessica, along with their friends and acquaintances. The story captures the complexities of relationships, midlife crises, teenage angst, and the struggles of suburban life. Franzen's writing style is described as astute, insightful, and engaging, with a focus on character development and psychological depth.